Mottet’s versatility spurred Sycamore’s banner season

Sycamore senior Devin Mottet is the 2013-14 Daily Chronicle Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The start to Devin Mottet’s basketball career was a far cry from the finish.

Playing up on varsity as a sophomore, Mottet and Sycamore struggled through a tough season in coach Andrew Stacy’s first year.

“It was for sure frustrating coming in. Obviously we weren’t as meshed as a team, we weren’t as talented I don’t think,” Mottet said. “It was frustrating going 9-20 the whole season and thinking we could’ve been better.”

Sycamore closed out the 2012-13 season strong, winning the program’s first regional title in nine years. The Spartans built off that and posted an even better season in his senior year, finishing 23-8 and claiming conference and regional crowns.

At the forefront of it all was Mottet, Sycamore’s two-time captain, on-court leader and most consistent offensive threat, who would be named the co-MVP of the Northern Illinois Big 12 East.

“He never got rattled. He was always under control out there and kept things in check,” Stacy said. “He just did a great job being out there and controlling things without panicking.”

For his individual accolades and Sycamore’s team accomplishments, Mottet has been named the 2013-14 Daily Chronicle Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Kaneland senior Ty Carlson and Indian Creek senior Garrett Post were also considered for the award.

Mottet’s point total dropped his senior year to around 13 points a game because he was surrounded by more playmakers and shooters who were able to take on some of the scoring load. He made up for it by also being a facilitator, averaging nearly three assists per contest.

Stacy said Sycamore was able to take advantage of other mismatches that Mottet created with his versatility. But when the Spartans needed a bucket, they often looked to Mottet.

“His first year it was basically a postup game. Now he’s able to put the ball on the floor a bit and create off the dribble,” Stacy said. “Last year and this year he improved his outside shot from 3-point range. He’s always been really unselfish. He’s become a better passer.”

Mottet ended his senior year with a combined football and basketball record of 35-9, including a 6-2 mark in the postseason. Tough losses ended both seasons for Sycamore, but Mottet relished every second of the past seven months.

“It’s been an amazing experience. I definitely did not think we’d be at the spots that we were,” Mottet said. “That’s all been dreams since you’re little. It was just an awesome experience, we were so close to going down to state in both sports.”